INSTINCTIVELY, I shudder at the possible consequences of Conservative leader David Cameron bringing Ken Clarke back into the fold (Echo, Jan 20).

This is a man, who I blame, whether directly or indirectly, for making the Labour Party seem like a credible alternative in comparison to a divided Tory party under John Major. His pro- Euro stance reduced the Tories to a squabbling rabble.

Now that the European issue has returned to the fore, I have to question if the electorate is as concerned about the Euro issue as it is about our current economic crisis.

The fact is, we would not qualify to join the euro, even if we wanted to, as a result of Labour’s mismanagement.

Mr Clarke was the successful Chancellor who handed Labour the “Rolls-Royce” economy it inherited in 1997. It may be that his unquestionable credentials as a successful Chancellor are exactly what this country needs as it becomes increasingly clear that Labour’s tax, borrow, spend gamble is simply not paying off.

This alone makes him an asset in a coming General Election and will counter Labour claims of “no time for a novice”. He would also counter the ominous prejudices against “Etonians running the country”.

On that basis, welcome back Ken.

Des More, Darlington.